That melodramatic Eighties Ultravox hit said it all – it means nothing in Vienna.

In Everton’s case that applies to a defeat in the opening game of new manager Roberto Martinez’s reign, which was essentially a fitness exercise rather than the grand unveiling of a fine-tuned new-look Blues.

The Toffees may have lost 2-1 at the Generali Arena yesterday and, yes, there were signs of the passing style their attacking-minded boss is likely to implement, but the starting line-ups of both halves will bear little resemblance to that which begins the Premier League campaign against Norwich at Carrow Road next month.

Instead Martinez used this clash as a chance to look at every outfield player he has worked with so far, during his first week overseeing training in the picturesque Austrian countryside.

It meant he deployed 21 players overall against a side which were far more advanced in their summer preparations, and will enter the new season as reigning domestic champions and Champions League competitors.

The frustrating factor was that the hosts only scored from two openings gifted to them by a couple of moments of pre-season rustiness in the Blue ranks.

Otherwise Everton saw plenty of the ball, which they endeavoured to move about quickly and at a high tempo – urged from the side-lines by the new man in charge.

Tellingly ball-work has been a prevalent part of this opening week of preparations for the new campaign, a marked difference from the focus more on hard-running by the previous manager.

But nevertheless, the result in Vienna says little about how quickly Martinez’s side will adapt to his ways because of that huge turnover in personnel.

Witness his starting choices in the forward areas of Steven Pienaar, Steven Naismith, Magaye Gueye and Apostolos Vellios. It’s unlikely to resemble the one which runs out against Norwich for the big curtain-raiser.

Indeed Everton were without new signings Arouna Kone, Gerard Deulofeu and Antolin Alcaraz, and also had to contend with the absence on the pitch of Nikica Jelavic, although the Croatian striker was present in the stands to cheer his team-mates on after being granted extra rest following his summer international exertions.

The contest’s opening chance went the visitors when Pienaar was upended after a quick passing move. Leighton Baines whipped a free kick to the far post but Gueye, back from his loan spell at French side Brest, headed wide.

It quickly became clear the Blues were inclined to play from the back. New shot-stopper Joel Robles rarely sent his goal-kicks long, instead opting for short passes to either of his central defenders or Darron Gibson, who routinely dropped deep to pick up the ball.

Such a change in outlook will always take time to gel. There will be moments when its newness is exposed, and duly Leon Osman – who on this occasion had come deep to act as playmaker – lost possession on the sticky pitch after a series of passes in Everton’s area. Vienna striker Marko Stankovic seized on the loose ball rounded Robles and slotted into the empty net.

Then just moments later Everton were nearly undone again when they lost the ball for a second time and Rubin Okotie raced through on goal. This time Robles stood tall to close him down and parry his attempted shot. The Spanish keeper enjoyed a positive debut, and it will be interesting to see how hard he pushes Tim Howard this term.

The Blues became sloppy in possession for a spell, and in response Martinez urged them to move the ball quicker and with more purpose.

Vienna had an attacking verve befitting of their Champions League credentials though, and a neat move in front of Everton’s area saw Srdan Spiridonovic turn and curl a low shot just past the post.

In response Pienaar fired a free-kick wide from the edge of the area, after typically smart work from him and Baines saw the midfielder draw a foul.

Everton’s dynamic duo asserted themselves again as the half hour approached, teeing up Naismith who drew a strong save from Heinz Lindker with a fierce volley at the far post.

Despite that period of revival, the Blues were set back again after the referee spotted a handball by Shane Duffy as he tried to defend a free kick into the area and pointed to the spot. Stankovic converted for his second of the afternoon.

Almost instantly the Toffees hit back. As so often is the case Baines was the provider, and Apostolos Vellios capitalised on a slick delivery to head home.

Everton made eight changes at the break and a further two 20 minutes later to give almost all members of the squad who had travelled a chance to impress.

With more senior players on the field they began to dominate; and Victor Anichebe’s impressive hold-up play helped them get further up the field. Kevin Mirallas should have equalised after a nice link-up with the powerful Nigerian but chose to try and trick his way past the keeper who was able to grab the ball from his feet.

At the other end, Sylvain Distin had to be alert to clear a shot off the line as the hosts also pressed.

The latter stages saw a tiring week of training show in Everton’s tempo.

However they stuck to their patient passing template as they sought to open up their opponents, something which will hopefully be more effective with each passing game as the learning curve continues.

While the result meant nothing, there was nevertheless an interesting and encouraging post-script. Owner Bill Kenwright, board member Jon Woods and chief executive Robert Elstone were all present to show their support for the new manager – along with the usual contingent of travelling Blues.

If it was symbolic of anything, the presence of Everton’s top brass at a friendly showed just how popular the new man in charge is already, and the groundswell of positivity his appointment has generated around the club. The message was clear – they were there to cheer Martinez on at the start of a fresh era. In turn, as the Catalan’s message becomes clearer to his players – let’s hope there is plenty for everyone to cheer.